Snow started falling in Sioux Falls at about 10:45 a.m. and 5 inches had fallen by 7 p.m. Sioux Falls and other parts of southeast South Dakota, southwest Minnesota and northwest Iowa are under a winter storm warning as up to eight inches of snow are possible Monday afternoon and evening.

The warning is in effect until midnight Monday. Five to 8 inches of snow are possible in the areas in a winter storm warning, and winds of 15-25 mph could make driving difficult. The National Weather Service said 1-2 inches of snow could fall per hour at times. Sioux Falls itself is expected to get 6 inches.

Road conditions: Many drivers are having difficulty maneuvering the slippery roads created by snow falling in the Sioux Falls area. Multiple accidents are being reported as snow and ice build up in and out of town. To check conditions on your route, call 511 or visit these sites: South Dakota | Iowa | Nebraska | Minnesota

School early releases, cancellations: Sioux Falls public schools closed two hours early. School buses will run normal routes. Early childhood classes scheduled for this afternoon have been canceled as well as Kids Inc. and After School Y programs.

Sioux Falls Park and Recreation Community Centers closed at noon, and there will be no evening activities or leagues. Also, Great Bear Recreation Park and all public outdoor ice skating rinks and warming house are closed.

Snow alert: In the event of a snow alert, Sioux Falls police urge residents to move their cars off the streets until they are plowed curb to curb, police spokesman Sam Clemens said. He said more than 1,000 tickets were issued for each snow alert in November and December. You can get a text or email from the city when a snow alert is announced. Click here to learn how to sign up.

Sam Clemens of the Sioux Falls Police Department talks about tickets and driving carefully during storms. Last time there was heavy snow, more than 1,000 tickets were issued to drivers who didn't move their vehicles from the street during plowing.

SIOUX FALLS AREA FORECAST FROM NWS

This afternoon: Snow with patchy blowing snow. The snow could be heavy at times. High near 9. Breezy, with a south southeast wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Total daytime snow accumulation of around 5 inches.

Tonight: Snow, mainly before 11 p.m. The snow could be heavy at times. Low around -6. Wind chill values as low as -25. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of around an inch possible.

Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 7. Wind chill values as low as -25.